Real estate and community information from Portland, OR Realtor Joseph Bartholomew III

Primary Menu

The way a home smells can be just as important as the way it looks to potential buyers. We have all heard of baking cookies, cooling an apple pie, or brewing a fresh pot of coffee as ways to entice potential buyers. On the other hand, have you ever had the experience of being overpowered by the scent of a wall plugin when you walked into an open house?

A scent can play an important role in setting the ambiance for your home. Here are other ideas you could try.

Clean the air with an air purifying potted plant

Boil cinnamon sticks or an extract (vanilla,almond) on the stove

Decorate with live wreaths

Use a scent booster in your laundry

Have fresh flowers or herbs in common areas

Pop fresh popcorn

Place a vase of eucalyptus leaves in bathrooms

There is only one opportunity for a first impression. Make sure your house smells as beautiful as it looks.

Leave a comment below if you have any other suggestions or one of these works for you.

For those in the Portland, OR area contact me at jbartholomew@equitygroup.com or 503-890-1935. I take great pride in what I do and I’m excited for the opportunity to work with you!

A common misconception is that the winter season is not a “good” time to sell. However, 2015 averaged more than a thousand homes sold every day. In many cases sellers who choose winter have some advantages that other seasons may lack. One reason is the low competition from other sellers. The likelihood of similarly constructed homes on the market is reduced. Secondly, the buyers tend to be more serious. Not many people want to window shop in less optimal weather conditions. Finally, both winter buyers and sellers can benefit from tax refunds, merit bonuses, and yearly raises. For many households this additional capital can provide down payments, repairs, updates, appliances etc.

If you are considering selling in the winter here are some helpful hints:

Exterior

Invest in new door knobs

Replace a damaged/aged mailbox

Clear walkways and sidewalks

Clean out planters, feeders, water features

Interior

Redecorate and declutter

Ensure your furnace and HVAC are inspected and working properly

Add attic insulation

Minor paint projects

Small improvements to the appearance and feel of your home could drastically increase your chances of selling your home in the winter. A local realtor is always a good resource for more specific enhancements that could aid in selling your home in the winter.

For those in the Portland, OR area contact me at jbartholomew@equitygroup.com or 503-890-1935. I take great pride in what I do and I’m excited for the opportunity to work with you!